I do find the Pass X preamps, at least the X2.5 that I use, very revealing, I wouldn't use ruthless though. As Bigkidz says, system matching is very important, this has become more and more apparent to me as I have progressed in this hobby.
I find it interesting that your dealer dropped Pass when they went from the Aleph to the X; the X amps are known to be neutral, I would agree with this as I find the X150.5 the most neutral I've owned, not that I have a lot of experience. I will stop here with the assessment as not to start a flame war.
Furthermore, I found the X2.5 to need at least 3-4 days of straight play before break-in. At first hookup it was veiled, the next day it opened up but was agressive, after about 4 days it settled in and I enjoy it a lot and do find I have the most revealing system I have ever had, I do not mean this in a negative sense but rather positive.
I will reiterate what Bigkidz has already said, system matching is very important. I had a Concentra II that was excellent with B&W N803's, a switch of speakers and it fell on its face.
I am not sure what published reviews you are refering to that state the X amps as harsh, as with Bigkidz, I do not view them this way. But in my system I do not view my X2.5 preamp as laid back either. Remember, the XA amps are an addition to the Pass line, not a replacement for the X amps.
I find it interesting that your dealer dropped Pass when they went from the Aleph to the X; the X amps are known to be neutral, I would agree with this as I find the X150.5 the most neutral I've owned, not that I have a lot of experience. I will stop here with the assessment as not to start a flame war.
Furthermore, I found the X2.5 to need at least 3-4 days of straight play before break-in. At first hookup it was veiled, the next day it opened up but was agressive, after about 4 days it settled in and I enjoy it a lot and do find I have the most revealing system I have ever had, I do not mean this in a negative sense but rather positive.
I will reiterate what Bigkidz has already said, system matching is very important. I had a Concentra II that was excellent with B&W N803's, a switch of speakers and it fell on its face.
I am not sure what published reviews you are refering to that state the X amps as harsh, as with Bigkidz, I do not view them this way. But in my system I do not view my X2.5 preamp as laid back either. Remember, the XA amps are an addition to the Pass line, not a replacement for the X amps.